A Mom's Heartfelt Thank You to Camp Kanakuk As a mom, sending your child away for two weeks is not always easy. There is so much excitement for them, but there is also that little voice in the back of your mind wondering, Are they okay? Are they being taken care of? Do they feel loved? Do they feel safe? Are they having fun? I can honestly say that Camp Kanakuk gave me so much peace and comfort while my daughter was away. My daughter absolutely LOVED her time at Kanakuk. She loved her counselors, loved the activities, loved the friendships, and came home with so many stories and memories. The biggest compliment she could possibly give the camp was when she told me that she doesn't want to go to any other camp next year she only wants to go back to Camp Kanakuk! Before Kanakuk, she had attended YMCA camp, so I wasn't sure how she would feel about a different camp. But Kanakuk completely won her heart. One of the biggest things that stood out to me was just how much more she got to experience at Kanakuk. She was able to participate in so many different activities, try new things, make memories, and experience things that she simply hadn't gotten the opportunity to experience anywhere else. She was able to step outside of her comfort zone, have new adventures, and just truly be a kid. Hearing her talk about everything she got to do and seeing the excitement in her eyes made my heart so happy. As her mom, one of the things that touched me the most was seeing how much the counselors seemed to genuinely care about her. They braided her hair, spent time with her, encouraged her, and made her feel special. It wasn't just about supervising the kids it truly felt like they cared about her as a person. I was also absolutely amazed by the photographers! Somehow, they always seemed to find my daughter and capture the sweetest pictures of her. As a mom who was missing her little girl terribly, those pictures meant more to me than I can even explain. Every time I saw a picture of her smiling, laughing, or enjoying herself, I could breathe a little easier. Another thing that really stood out to me was how many people seemed to know who my daughter was. She wasn't just another camper. Staff knew her, recognized her, and made her feel seen. That meant everything to me as her mom. I know my daughter had an incredible time because I could see it in her face when she came home. She was excited, happy, and full of stories. She came home with memories that I know she will carry with her for years to come. And for me, the greatest gift was knowing that while she was away from home, she was being loved, cared for, encouraged, and having the time of her life. That is something a mom never takes for granted. Thank you, Camp Kanakuk, for taking such wonderful care of my daughter and for giving her an experience she will never forget. Thank you to her counselors for loving on her, encouraging her, braiding her hair, making her laugh, and helping her feel at home. Thank you to the photographers for capturing memories that I will treasure forever. And thank you to every staff member who knew her name and made her feel important. You gave this mama something incredibly valuable: peace of mind. And you gave my daughter a camp she already says she wants to return to next year. We are so incredibly grateful. Kanakuk has definitely made a place in our hearts, and I have a feeling this won't be her last summer there! Thank you for taking care of my girl. You loved her well, and this mama noticed. read more

Kanakuk has persisted in hiding and minimizing the complete atrocities that it perpetrated knowingly on campers in the past. When they first knew of the sex abuse they protected their reputation instread of protecting kids. They kept the camp going without letting parents know there was a serious systemic issue and then they quickly re-organized the ownership status to limit personal liability. They kept the camp going in order to sweep in the revenue and protected the guilty because they did not want to hurt Christ's reputation. The lack of a huge sincere public apology ever is disturbing. read more

We went to Family camp for 2 summers and had the best time. We have witnessed first hand how camp activities are ran and protocols. such a great experience for our family at K-Kaui read more

We sent our daughter to Kanakuk this summer since her normal camp in Texas was closed due to flooding. This was her first time at Kanakuk but not her first time for a long overnight camp. She was able to do a lot of fun activities but said the counselors were very strict. She was late to a clinic was made to wash windows. She reported there's also 'discipline stairs' but luckily she wasn't punished with those but other kids were. She has a pretty intense schedule during the school year so our purpose in sending her is to have time to just be a kid away from stress and have fun but that isn't the case at Kanakuk. I was shocked when picking her up she said she absolutely did not want to ever go back. She's not like that at all so I know it was really bad. read more

This was an amazing adventure for my son. Everything is well maintained and organized, staff is amazing (super helpful and personable) and most importantly my son loved it and cannot wait to go back. I highly recommend Camp Kanakuk to anyone looking to get their kids away from phones and video games to enjoy the summer outside:) Also, my son said they always had to be in a pairs of threes, which is a great safety practice. read more

Do your research before sending your children here. Look up Peter Newman for starters. How they covered up for him and protected him. Research all the victims stories over the YEARS and all the numerous cover ups. Nothing but sexual and physical abuse read more

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I attended Kanakuk Kamps with my parents having high hopes for a positive and enriching experience. Unfortunately, my time there was marred by a deeply distressing event. I was subjected to extensive sexual abuse that has left a lasting impact on me. Even more troubling was the camp's response. The camp administration has continually seemed more focused on protecting their reputation than actually addressing the gross negligence and ensuring children's safety. This lack of accountability has only compounded the trauma I experienced. I believe it's important for potential attendees and their families to be aware of all aspects of the camp environment. My hope is that by sharing my experience, the camp will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all its participants in the future. Please take this review seriously, as it's written with the intention of protecting others from experiencing similar trauma. read more

Have not been yet. Just wondering why there are sexual predator photos on the website? Does not look good.

As my husband and I look back over the years of raising our children and watch as they raise their children, we realize one of the most important decisions we made was sending our kids to Kanakuk Kamps. Many years! Every summer! We got that decision right! Their experience there became our experience, too, and our entire family found a strengthening of our faith that we carry with us today. Our four children have married believers and have joyful marriages and successful careers as they add beautiful children to their families. They live out what they learned at Kanakuk and we are forever grateful for that wonderful place! GOD BLESS YOU, JOE WHITE! read more

I worked at one of the branson camps for 4 summers straight. During my time there, so many things happened, though it was looked over because we were doing "gods work", I knew what was happening here was not GOOD. First off, hourly pay is basically $3 an hour. Next, During staff training weeks, we are introduced to the Child Protection Plan, and though it is grilled into us the seriousness of this matter, no one EVER talks about the atrocities that took place here just a few years ago when a counselor turned director was molesting children. I never knew until my 4th summer and was shocked that it was swept under the rug like it was. The counselors that you send your children to, depending on them to know how to take care of your children? Yeah probably about 1/4 of them know what they are doing After training weeks. Several of the lifeguards we had on duty were certified, but really only cared about chatting with other staff rather than watching for any drowning campers. Even after consequences, it is a reoccurring problem. Let's talk about Covid summer. First of all, they could not afford to close all summer. Second of all, the staff was treated so poorly while at camp: I literally had to see a doctor because I was experiencing extreme exhaustion, his recommendation was for me to get 8 hours of sleep; but that was impossible when I specifically was required to work from 6am to 10pm. And as much as we tried, there was no way to make sure the food being served was actually safe from any contaminants Because of the amount of people being around the food. And from a religious aspect, including myself and many others I worked alongside: we were manipulated, gaslit, shamed and guilted, all based on simple things like enjoying different treats in a different area of camp, or having a camp crush on another person. God was thrown in your face so much that even the most devout of christians would feel ashamed for not being Godly enough. Seems bright and shiny from the outside, but dear god it is so dark and harmful once you are on the inside. Please proceed with caution, talk to people who have gone to camp there, and have even worked there. read more

They're pedophiles. They hate anyone who isn't white, heterosexual and they protect sexual predators. This is a sick place.

I went here for years as a child and had the time of my life. Many of my childhood memories were formed here. I just came back to the family camp with my family and we absolutely had a blast. read more

WOW...I can't believe there's no reviews on Kanakuk Kamps! My daughter spent many a Summer @ Kamp Kanakuk! It was one of the most wonderful & positive experiences of her life. Kamp Kanakuk is a Christian Athletic Kamp and, you choose what Kamp is the best fit for your child. Joe & Debbie Joe White run Kanakuk Kamps. They are definately visible & involved during your childs stay @ Kamp K. Kamp Kanakuk hires over 2000 kid-lovin' Christian Athletes from over 30 colleges to be mentors to children during their stay @ Kamp Kanakuk. Joe White played football @ Defensive Back @ SMU where he met and married Debbie-Jo, who was a cheerleader at the time. After graduation, Joe coached @ Texas A&M before moving to Missouri in 1972. Joe White has worked with kids for over 30 years. Dr. James Dobson of Focus on The Family quotes...."Joe White knows mores about teenagers than anyone in North America." If you are looking for an amazing summer camp for your kids......this is truly a terrific choice! *****if you are planning a trip to "Big Cedar Lodge" during the Summer months, more than likely you will see bunches & bunches of Kanakukians running around. read more

Kanakuk Kamps - Joe & Debbie-Jo White owners of Kanakuk Kamps. - Summer Camps Near Me - Branson, Missouri

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I went to kanakuk every summer from around 2005 to 2008. This place caused me psychological damage for years to follow. There were nightly sermons often filled with guilt about how we are awful sinners and need to constantly repent. I remember crying my eyes out every night because I was supposedly this terrible, sinful person and as a result Jesus had to be tortured and murdered. Amongst the kids in the kamp there was tremendous judgement. Who could be the most christian person there, who could out-christian who. I would leave camp every summer trying to convert all of my friends back home, since we were taught that everyone who wasn't christian like us would burn in hell. Every year they would do the "Stations of the cross", re-enacting the night jesus was crucified. They would ACTUALLY whip a counselor who was acting as jesus. As a child, it was traumatic. Their main teaching is "god first, others second, yourself third". While this sounded great when I was a christian, I now look back on it and see how that caused me to not have respect for myself. To only live your life for god and others and never put yourself first. While I was there I actually came in contact with Pete Newman, PLEASE google him if you don't know who he is. Nothing happened to me, however a kid in my cabin was touched by him. In summary, do not send your kids to this camp. It is physically, psychologically, and spiritually dangerous. This place should have been shut down a long time ago. Shame on Joe White. Shame on all of them. read more

The appropriation and misrepresentation of Indigenous tribes at this camp is NOT ok. The hundreds of years of genocide of Native people is not to be used as camp group names! Not only are these kids introduced to scripture, but they are introduced to taking from another culture that was prosecuted and tortured by the Christian church and then forced to practice Christianity. Camp is good for the develope of children, just leave anything Native based out of it, then it wouldn't be problematic. read more

Drove up to Missouri from Austin to enjoy the Ozarks. I was happy to re-visit this memorable camp while I was in Branson. As a former camp counselor, this camp will forever hold a special place in my heart. read more

If I could give less than one star I would. This place is absolutely evil and left me with an unimaginable amount of trauma. I went for five years and, while the activities were fun and I genuinely enjoyed them, the spirituality aspect of it was nothing but a farce. Instead of teaching about God's love, they preached fear and hate and guilt-tripped me into thinking that "unless you do x y and z, God hates you and you're going to hell". I was literally told "God loves you, but not who you are" when I told one of the upper staff something very personal, and that's something that took me years to cope with. On top of that, sexism and racism were rampant. The girls and ONLY the girls were forced to sign a "purity contract" pledging purity until marriage, whereas the boys had a separate talk that ignored all of that and instead only focused on "impure thoughts about sex". The girls were also forced to adhere to modesty to "protect our brothers in Christ", yet the boys had no such policy and were clearly favored by the upper staff. As for the racism, Native American culture is completely disrespected and each person is inaugurated into one of the four "tribes" as means of promoting comradery and the spirit of competition. It's one thing to talk about the cultural roots of the camp, but it's another thing to have the camp director dress up in traditional Native American clothing and do traditional Native American dances as a form of welcoming. Their philosophy is fused with hypocrisy and fear-mongering, creating a barrier between "us and them", so unless you want your child to be traumatized, skip out on this place read more

We paid $4800 to send my daughter to the camp for a month. After 6 days, we were called telling us that our daughter tested positive for Covid and contracted it from one of her counselors. and we would have to pick her up right away. After picking her up, my wife emailed about a refund for the remainder of the days my daughter had missed of camp, which was directly related to their negligence by having staff that were not quarantined prior to the beginning of camp. We received an email stating that we would get a refund in 3 to 4 weeks. After 4 weeks and no refund, we reached out again and were told the refund was sent out yesterday in the amount of $2300. Now I'm not sure if math is not a strong suit for the camp, however $4800-$1026=$3774. Their response to the refund discrepancy was they would pass along the information. My daughter was sick 10 days and had to seek medical attention as a result. read more

Jesus didn't abuse little kids or lie to cover it up. I can't believe any parents would trust their children to these people. But it has always been that the ones who shout the loudest that they "are doing God's work" turn out to be the biggest perverts. This camp should be closed--permanently--and the land be given back to whichever indigenous peoples ir was undoubtedly stolen from. read more

I went to Kanakuk for seven years and participated in Kanakuk's other ministries such as KLIFE (which has a presence in over 20 U.S. cities). My brother was abused here for a decade, during summer months and year-round since Kanakuk encourages off-season interactions with campers by staff. During civil litigation, Kanakuk retraumatized him then silenced him with an NDA as part of the settlement terms. He was afraid to speak about his trauma even in therapeutic settings after that and died by suicide in 2019. Because of discovery in dozens of lawsuits to date, it is now known that Kanakuk leaders knew serial predator Pete Newman was abusing children (nude four-wheeling, basketball and swimming) as early as 1999. Despite multiple reports and red flags, they failed to report and covered up misconduct. And that's just one known abuser of many over several decades: FactsAboutKanakuk.com/known-abusers Parents should educate themselves by reading the investigative reports on Kanakuk Abuse published by USA Today, VICE News (Emmy Award-winning coverage), Christianity Today, and many others. read more

Mealtimes will never be the same again. After my 3 sons returned from camp last week, they began helping me prepare dinner, set the table, sang pre-dinner prayer songs, had mature conversations, put the dishes away, and cleaned the table. Today, they are simply...happier. Thank you Kanakuk! Worth every cent. read more

My girls LIVE for their time at Kanakuk each summer. Great place that encourages kids.

What an amazing camp! My kids have been going there for 15 years. Such a blessing to our family. I highly recommend. My kids love it.

Love love love Kanakuk! K-Kauai family camp is the highlight of our year! As close to heaven as you can find on this earth! read more

I attended Kanakuk Kamps from when I was about 9-12 and I can say that those 3 years truly changed my life. I was raised in a somewhat religious household and attended a Christian school in the south, so naturally all of my friends pressured me and my parents into me going. At first it was fun if not a little silly. There are so many fun activities. However, the longer I attended the camps, the more they truly scarred me in ways that I can barely even comprehend to this day. First of all, the Bible studies, K'Life, and devotionals go completely against scientific fact. I truly believe that you can be religious and still believe in science, but this obviously does not apply to these camps. It wouldn't even have been so bad if they did not have so many cases where they were shoving these ideas into our impressionable minds! Secondly, the community there is extremely toxic and has continuously gotten worse. The amount of homophobia, misogyny, and shaming use is so incredibly blatant that it swerved my view of the world massively. As a young girl who was slowly discovering her sexuality, the mere thought that I could be gay made me want to die after what all of the girls in my cabin would say about the lgbtq+ community. It took me a very long time, and lots of therapy, to fully accept that I am homosexual. I also remember them doing these dances every year where the boys would ask us to dance. This wouldn't have been terrible if our counselors didn't shame us and call us selfish if we declined. It felt so disrespectful that the boys could ask us all night long but we weren't allowed to say no! The male counselors would also make fun of their campers if they did not ask a girl to dance. It wasn't even teasing, it was humiliation. I can only imagine how a queer boy would feel being surrounded by so much toxic masculinity. They also had this thing every year at all of the camps where they would reenact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with live people, and shame us for not being grateful enough for his death. And I just remember how everyone, including myself, would just cry uncontrollably because we felt so horrible about ourselves afterward. While these are just a few of the horrors that these camps have to offer, I couldn't possibly list them all here. So please, from a teenager who has been severely traumatized by these camps, DO NOT send your children here! This place is like a cult and I truly believe that my doubts of religion stemmed from this place. read more

I went to these camps as a kid. I understand the good natured intentions of the camp, but my experiences there drew me away from the faith. In all honesty, it was a very strange experience as a kid to be in these camps. read more

This is the most amazingly fabulous place for kids in the country! The staff, the facilities, the activities--all wonderful!! Truly heaven on earth! read more

Kanakuk is like a great big huge family of believers. I love that my kids have been surrounded by such awesome, Jesus-loving, wholesome college kids (counselors) that show them how to have good wholesome fun without compromising their Christian values. We've been part of the Kanakuk family since 1982 and have loved every minute! There's no other place like it! read more

So, I realize time has passes and many things may have changed. But when I came here as a kid my experience was horrible. I got very sick and had trouble breathing. The counselors completely ignored me, even when I repeatedly told them I wasn't okay. They only paid attention when I got very very sick. I had to be taken to the hospital. It was several years before my breathing completely recovered. They are also extremely evangelical christian. This wouldn't be a problem necessarily, but the way they handled it was extremely unprofessional. Without warning, they searched my trunk and removed several books they considered "bad". They didn't tell me they'd done this, and I found out when I opened my trunk and found the books were gone. These were all completely normal books for children, one was even an allegory about Jesus. The counselors were also extremely cruel. I remember one got very angry at me when I told her I was homesick. Except for the problems with my lungs, which may have happened even if they hadn't ignored me for several days, I didn't suffer any permanent damage. But, I would not recommend anyone send their children here. read more

There is nowhere else on earth you and your kids can be ministered to by young adults, have fun alongside your kids, and allow them the freedom to be who God created them to be. It is a phenomenal place!! read more

Sexually abuses children. DO NOT GO HERE. Watch this video for more information about SURVIVORS of this camps abuse. https://youtu.be/idY-44IZ1SY Not a holy camp, a disgusting cover-up for old men to get their hands on children. Appropriation of indigenous tribes, teaches misrepresentation and disgusting values. If you are gonna show kids representation of already underrepresented groups, DO IT PROPERLY. Doesn't give families back their money after NEGLECTFULLY not testing their counselors and making sure they do a quarantine before camp starts. They will give your children covid and ruin their summer. Not only that, they'll sexually molest them. They absolutely brain wash you. Not true christianity is taught here. NOT loving. NOT accepting. DO NOT chance your child's well being just because of a few tone deaf reviews on this camp. I would never take the chance for my child to go through living hell. There are many better summer camps that are religiously oriented that are amazing. If you choose to send your kid to this camp after reading this review: I hope CPS removes them from your life because clearly you're sick in the head and not making a safe choice for your kid. To all of the amazing parents stearing clear of this place, sincerely, your kid will thank you later :) read more

We LOVE Kanakuk! It was and continues to be a tremendously positive life changing experience for our entire family!!

I went to k-country, k-1, and k-2 as a kid and I also had the honor to work at k-kountry and k-2 Before I joined the US Coast Guard. These camp (kamps haha) gave me as a young nervous awkward kid a sense of independence and freedom, then they helped me as a teenager grappling with the concepts of religion to make my faith my own. The camp does hold church and other Christian services, but they execute them in a way that makes the experience personal and helpful so that a struggling person won't be totally crushed by Biblical law because they can learn about the freedom and forgiveness of Biblical grace. Of course there are your typical summer camp things, ziplines, kayaks, canoes, campouts, parties, sports and so much more, but what kanakuk accomplishes by creating a loving supportive place for children to learn about religion independently is what really made me into the person I am today. I can't thank them enough. read more

I've never worked for Kanakuk, nor have I sent my child here for a summer, however I have so much positive to say about the heart of the people that work here. I recently applied for a position here, and although I did not get the opportunity to do a formal interview for the position, the correspondence I received from the hiring manager was absolutely amazing. She showed nothing but a kind, true Christian heart. I was treated as a person and not just an applicant number. My husband and I also were married in Kanakuk's beautiful chapel several years ago, and the entire process for the use of the chapel was so amazing, and made our big day stress and worry free. read more

Went here over the summer a few years ago and was just reminded of how AWFUL this place is because you keep sending us your pamphlets. A waste of thousands of dollars, you people are crazy. The entire time I was here I felt uncomfortable because I was never raised to be an evangelical Christian but to be open minded and accept other people for who they are. This is not the focus here. You try to brainwash these kids into converting everyone you see and it's absolutely sickening, thank God I was raised to be open minded and accepting. I hope some day that you can see past your superiority complexes and appreciate what truly matters in this world. read more

My kids love Kanakuk!! This year we did a two week camp and it was an amazing experience. My daughter met so many new friends. We will be returning next year! read more

This was my 13 year old's first time at Kanakuk and he loved it! The counselors and staff are top notch. My son loved the activities, worship and friendships he made. I highly suggest you get your kids involved as early as possible! read more

Idiots opened the camp back up while their is a nationwide pandemic going on and 82 CHILDREN and campers tested positive for Covid-19. Innocent people will die for your greed. read more

This was daughter's first year and it was great. She loved every minute and can't wait til next year.

Kanakuk Kamps are THE best in camps! I always wanted to go there as a kid but vowed my kids would be able to go. All three boys were campers and counselors. Not only did they take fabulous care of them while there were campers but the counselor (and CIT) training made them the successful and Godly men they are today!! The camp is life changing! read more